Langimage
English

bolstering

|bol-ster-ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈboʊl.stər.ɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈbəʊl.stər.ɪŋ/

(bolster)

support or strengthen

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
bolsterbolstersbolstersbolsteredbolsteredbolstering
Etymology
Etymology Information

'bolster' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bolster', where 'bolstr' meant 'a long, thick pillow'.

Historical Evolution

'bolstr' changed from Old English to the modern English word 'bolster'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a long, thick pillow', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to support or strengthen'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to support or strengthen something.

The new evidence is bolstering the case for the defense.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

present participle form of 'bolster'.

She is bolstering her argument with facts.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41